More youth wanted on roll as Mana looks like two-horse race

A LARGE chunk of voters in the 18-24 age group are missing from the Mana by-election.

Registrar of Electors Toni Weir says it’s a concern that so many young people aren’t getting involved.

“They could make a change about those who represent them.”

LABAN LEGACY: Chris Faafoi. Photo: Labour Party

Ms Weir goes to schools and colleges, circulates the orange election forms at libraries, post shops, women’s refuges, community groups, and attends candidate meetings in the hope of informing young people about the importance of voting at the upcoming Mana by-elections.

But there are still about 20 per cent of eligible voters not on the roll.

Basedon 2010 estimated population, and enrolment statistics using the 2006 census data, the estimated eligible population for the 18-24 age bracket is 6720.

The total number of people actually enrolled is 5396, meaning 1324 or 20% of young people are missing.

By comparison the over 70 age group has an estimated eligible population of 5010, and of those 4766 are enrolled, leaving just 244 people or 5% off the role.

Ms Weir says if anyone over 18 has not received an Easy Vote Card by November 13 they are either not enrolled, or not enrolled correctly.

She says the deferred maintenance on state housing under Labour was “disgraceful” and is adamant the expressway through Kapiti will happen

Mr Faafoi says money needs to put back into the pockets of those who need it most, and the government was doing little to help low wage earners feeling the pinch after the GST increase in October.

Local businesses needed to be supported to create more jobs, he says, and people have been asking him if National will take away state houses.

Mr McCarten is standing on a “fair tax” platform, and wants the minimum wage raised to $15 an hour, which Ms Parata says will cost up to 8000 jobs.

Job creation for the region is key, and McCarten says this can be achieved by increasing the number of teacher’s aides and home help.

Mr Du Plessis, standing on the “youth” card, wantsquality education for all children and more work and employment opportunities for young people.

He says lowering youth rates to $10 an hour will encourage businesses to take on more staff.

Ms Logie will be tackling a number of issues if elected.

Fresh fruit and veges made more affordable by regulating the mark up by supermarkets, the first $10,000 tax-free for all New Zealanders (the tax loss replaced by capital gains tax on investments properties), and beneficiaries with children to qualify for more support.

She is also advocating the building of 6000 eco houses, to help create jobs and productivity, and wants the planned expressway through Kapiti scrapped in favour of the two-lane local Western Link Road.

The harbour and inlet will be cleaned up and recreational opportunities developed.